FOLLOWING in the footsteps of African music pioneers Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who also play the city next month, Black Umfolosi take to the stage at The Lowry on May 11.

The company now 18-strong, brings gospel singing and gum-boot dancing to Manchester and shows what other music their home continent has to offer.

Formed while the members were at school in Zimbabwe in 1982 as a means of entertaining themselves, the self-trained, original band of six have gone on to tour the world and grown in number over the years.

The group's show is a mixture of traditional song and dance encompassing a variety of different styles including Imbube, Mbaqanga and Township songs and some contemporary styles.

Black Umfolosi play The Lowry on Sunday, May 11. Tickets are é14 and can be bought from the Box Office on 0870 111 2000.